Abstract: A beverage-ingredient container to be used in the preparation of a beverage by a beverage dispensing apparatus. The container has a first optical code on the first surface of the container, wherein the first optical code is positioned on a first surface to be read by an optical scanner of the beverage dispensing apparatus when the container is received by the apparatus in a first orientation, and a second optical code on a second surface of the container, wherein the second optical code is positioned on the second surface to be read by the optical scanner of the beverage dispensing apparatus when the container is in a second orientation. The first optical code and the second optical code each stores container-related information including a container identifier which, when read by the optical scanner of the beverage dispensing apparatus, can be used by the beverage dispensing apparatus to control beverage preparation.

Abstract: A system and method are presented for the generation and configuration of a software-defined network (SDN) utilizing highly adaptable multi-purpose gateway modules (xGWs) capable of speciation in order to fulfill various specific roles within the SDN, thereby providing an enhanced ability for data packet and data stream management that optimizes network performance while xGWs in the SDN are governable by a logically centralized orchestrator application which exercises comprehensive and autonomous control.

Abstract: A temperature plug assembly includes a plug base having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an intermediate portion extending between the first end and the second end; and a temperature indicator disposed along the first end of the plug base.

Abstract: A system and method are presented for the generation and configuration of a software-defined network (SDN) utilizing highly adaptable multi-purpose gateway modules (xGWs) capable of speciation in order to fulfill various specific roles within the SDN, thereby providing an enhanced ability for data packet and data stream management that optimizes network performance while xGWs in the SDN are governable by a logically centralized orchestrator application which exercises comprehensive and autonomous control.

Abstract: A beverage vessel support apparatus including a movable support member configured for supporting a beverage vessel at a plurality of different support positions. An actuation assembly may adjust a height of the movable support member. A beverage vessel rim detector may be configured to determine whether an uppermost part of a beverage vessel supported by the movable support member is at an appropriate position for a beverage to be dispensed into the beverage vessel. A first beverage vessel detector may be positioned below the beverage vessel rim detector and configured to determine whether a beverage vessel is present on the movable support member. A second beverage vessel detector may be arranged between the beverage vessel rim detector and the first beverage vessel detector and configured to determine whether a beverage vessel is present on the movable support member.

Abstract: A system and method are presented for the generation and configuration of a software-defined network (SDN) utilizing highly adaptable multi-purpose gateway modules (xGWs) capable of speciation in order to fulfill various specific roles within the SDN, thereby providing an enhanced ability for data packet and data stream management that optimizes network performance while xGWs in the SDN are governable by a logically centralized orchestrator application which exercises comprehensive and autonomous control.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus having a height-adjustable support member for supporting a beverage vessel at a plurality of different support positions. The beverage dispensing apparatus may include a beverage dispensing outlet for dispensing a beverage and a movable support member having a top surface for supporting a beverage vessel below the beverage dispensing outlet. The movable support member may include an inner telescoping element and an outer telescoping element. An actuation assembly may be operably coupled to the movable support member to move the movable support member to modify a distance between the top surface of the movable support member and the beverage dispensing outlet. Activation of the actuation assembly may cause both the inner and outer telescoping elements to move simultaneously either towards or away from the beverage dispensing outlet.

Abstract: An ice molding apparatus which has a cell or space formed by a peripheral wall and a bottom wall, a recess being formed in the bottom wall. There is an insert which is selectively, releasably receivable in the recess. The insert has a top surface which includes a formation which can be either projecting or receiving.

Abstract: An exercise system includes a housing, a drive motor, a drive member, a filter, and a fan. The housing defines an interior volume and has an intake and an outlet. The drive motor is positioned in the housing and is connected to the drive member. At least part of the drive member is positioned inside the housing and part of the drive member is outside the housing. The drive member is positioned through the outlet in the housing. The filter is in fluid communication with the intake, and the fan is in fluid communication with the intake and the filter. The fan provides a positive pressure in the interior volume of the housing.

Abstract: A method for priming a beverage machine prior to vending a beverage. The beverage machine may include a reservoir tank, a hot tank, and a recirculation conduit that form a recirculation loop. The method may include measuring a temperature of a liquid in a hot tank of the beverage machine at boot-up. Upon the beverage machine being instructed to vend a beverage, the method may include priming the beverage machine by circulating a priming volume of the liquid through the recirculation loop. The priming volume may be a first volume when the temperature of the liquid in the hot tank is below a first threshold temperature and a second volume when the temperature of the liquid in the hot tank is above the first threshold temperature, the first volume being greater than the second volume. Idle time of the beverage machine may result in adjustments to the priming volume.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a frame and a mirrored surface connected to the frame. A display is disposed within the frame and is positioned such that the display is viewable through at least a portion of the mirrored surface. The exercise device includes one or more arms rotatably attached to the frame and one or more arm motors configured to position the arms relative to the frame. One or more pull cables extend from the one or more arms, and a resistance mechanism including a motor is configured to resist movement of the pull cables.

Abstract: In one aspect of the disclosure, a motorized Pilates reformer system may include a frame, a carriage configured to slide along the frame, springs attached to the carriage, attachment mechanisms attached to the frame, spring motors attached to the frame, a footbar rotatably attached to the frame, and a footbar motor attached to the frame. The spring motors may be configured to cause the attachment mechanisms to each alternate between attaching one of the springs to the frame and detaching the spring from the frame. The footbar motor may be configured to rotate the footbar with respect to the frame between multiple footbar positions.

Abstract: A beverage-ingredient container to be used in the preparation of a beverage by a beverage dispensing apparatus. The container has a first optical code on the first surface of the container, wherein the first optical code is positioned on a first surface to be read by an optical scanner of the beverage dispensing apparatus when the container is received by the apparatus in a first orientation, and a second optical code on a second surface of the container, wherein the second optical code is positioned on the second surface to be read by the optical scanner of the beverage dispensing apparatus when the container is in a second orientation. The first optical code and the second optical code each stores container-related information including a container identifier which, when read by the optical scanner of the beverage dispensing apparatus, can be used by the beverage dispensing apparatus to control beverage preparation.

Abstract: A process for preparing diaryl sulfones, such as 4,4?-dichlorodiphenylsulfone is disclosed. The process comprises contacting an aryl compound with sulfur trioxide to provide a benzene sulfonic acid. The benzene sulfonic acid is coupled to additional aryl compound in the presence of a catalyst. During the coupling step, the additional aryl compound is continuously added while water is removed.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus having a height-adjustable support member for supporting a beverage vessel at a plurality of different support positions. The beverage dispensing apparatus may include a beverage dispensing outlet for dispensing a beverage and a movable support member having a top surface for supporting a beverage vessel below the beverage dispensing outlet. The movable support member may include an inner telescoping element and an outer telescoping element. An actuation assembly may be operably coupled to the movable support member to move the movable support member to modify a distance between the top surface of the movable support member and the beverage dispensing outlet. Activation of the actuation assembly may cause both the inner and outer telescoping elements to move simultaneously either towards or away from the beverage dispensing outlet.

Abstract: An air channeling sub-system includes a mechanical cooling section and a direct evaporative cooling section. The direct evaporative cooling section is located downstream from the mechanical cooling section. Cooling air is channeled through the air channeling sub-system and into a room that receives supply air from the air channeling sub-system. If a first set of control conditions is met, the air channeling sub-systems is operated in an economizer mode. The economizer mode includes controlling an amount of return air that is blended with outside air and channeling the blended air through the direct evaporative cooling section to evaporate water into the blended air to control humidity. If a second set of control conditions is met, the air channeling sub-system is operated in a free cooling mode. The free cooling mode includes channeling cooling air to the room while the mechanical cooling section and direct evaporative cooling section are shutdown or inhibited from operation.

Abstract: An exercise system includes a housing, a drive motor, a drive member, a filter, and a fan. The housing defines an interior volume and has an intake and an outlet. The drive motor is positioned in the housing and is connected to the drive member. At least part of the drive member is positioned inside the housing and part of the drive member is outside the housing. The drive member is positioned through the outlet in the housing. The filter is in fluid communication with the intake, and the fan is in fluid communication with the intake and the filter. The fan provides a positive pressure in the interior volume of the housing.

Abstract: A process for preparing diaryl sulfones, such as 4,4?-dichlorodiphenylsulfone is disclosed. The process comprises contacting an aryl compound with sulfur trioxide to provide a benzene sulfonic acid. The benzene sulfonic acid is coupled to additional aryl compound in the presence of a catalyst. During the coupling step, the additional aryl compound is continuously added while water is removed.

Abstract: A method and system for providing Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) as a service to a computer network are provided herein. The contribution of embodiments of the present invention is two-folded. First, a possible framework of having DPI deployed as a service is detailed, including the necessary algorithms and required adaptations. Second, the superior performance of the suggested design is demonstrated via simulations. Since the focus is on the algorithmic aspects and network design, an SDN implementation of the suggested design is not provided herein. However, many aspects of such an SDN implementation follow closely the guidelines known in the art.

Abstract: A control mechanism includes a friction brake assembly. The friction brake assembly includes a push rod and a friction pad connected to the push rod. The control mechanism also includes a magnetic resistance assembly. The magnetic resistance assembly includes a rotatable sleeve, a movable housing in contact with the rotatable sleeve, and at least one magnet disposed within the movable housing. The control mechanism also includes a knob in mechanical communication with both the push rod and the rotatable sleeve.